5 Best Hand Crank Radios for Emergency in 2023 [Plus 2 Bonus Picks!]
“Hand Crank Radio” is officially in the running for old-timey phrase of the decade. Do the children even know what radios are anymore? Have they seen an analog display on anything other than a clock? Whether your family is in the growing population of crank enthusiasts or you identify as “normal people,” it’s time to get excited about hand crank radios, which are the bedrock of any well-appointed emergency kit.
Seriously! A hand crank radio is a MUST for disaster preparedness. Your phone may seem like a source of perfect solutions for any situation, but if you lose the bars, you’re SOL. Crank your way to the information you’ll need when all else fails, and if you’re really in love with your phone, pick a radio that also functions as a charger!
We’ve listed our top five picks (and two bonus picks!) here if you’re ready to buy right now, but scroll down to get all the details.
- Kaito KA500
- Esky 3 LED Flashlight Emergency Radio
- DaringSnail MD090P Emergency Weather Hand-Crank Radio
- Eton FRX3+ Rechargeable Weather Alert Radio
- Sangean MMR-88
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Why does this guide exist and why should I trust it?
- We did the research so you don’t have to hunt through the internet and read a dozen buying guides.
- This guide covers everything you want to know — power source, analog/digital dial, ratings, price, dimensions, and all the important features!
Use this guide for the best buying experience. Whether you spend $20 or $80, doing a little comparison will help you get your money’s worth.
We’re here to share the information that will help you optimize your disaster prep process. Considering a few options before you before you make a choice will make you more informed about your final decision. A solid hand crank radio can help keep you safe when it matters the most.
Why do I need an emergency radio?
We have become so used to smart devices and the always-on internet that we forget it rests on a very fragile backbone.
Natural disasters cause power outages, grid disruption, and overloaded communications systems. When mobile communication and internet access are spotty, how do you maintain access to the news that could be essential to your survival?
The answer is emergency radios. Running on mid-1950s technology and powered by small batteries, the sun, or even old-school manual crank power, radios have proved to be resilient as other devices have gotten more sophisticated.
Having an emergency radio is especially important for those living in areas prone to severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms, blizzards, and forest fires.
A radio is:
- Simple – small, compact and runs on batteries,solar power or a hand crank.
- Able – can tune into hundreds of radio stations and emergency broadcasts by NOAA.
- Portable – pick it up and carry without worrying about bulky chargers and HDMI cables.Â
Don’t sleep on disasters that could put you out of communication through your usual channels. Hand crank radios will work even when there’s no power available. That comes in handy during scenarios like unexpected hurricanes or thunderstorms.
5 Best Emergency Radios of 2023
1. Kaito KA500
Price: $49.98
Dimensions: 8.3 x 2.3 x 5.3 inches
Features:
- AM/FM/SW/NOAA weather radio
- 6-way powered: hand crank, solar panel, 3 AA batteries, AC adapter, USB port, and built-in NiMH rechargeable battery
- LED flashlight and reading lamp
- SOS alarm and flashing red beacon
- Aux input and headphone jack
- 180-degree adjustable solar panel
- Water-resistant and rugged design
- Digital tuner and display
- Antenna, telescopic FM antenna, and earphone antenna
- Built-in speaker and volume control
What we liked:
The Kaito KA500 is a versatile and reliable radio that can keep you informed and connected in various situations. It can be powered by the solar panel, hand crank, USB cable, AA batteries, or AC adapter. It can receive a wide range of radio stations and alert you of weather emergencies. It also has a flashlight, a reading lamp, an SOS alarm, and a USB phone charger for your convenience.
Pros:
- The KA500 can be powered in six different ways, ensuring that it can be used in any situation.
- The radio offers an SOS alarm and flashing red beacon visible from many miles away in the dark.
- The KA500 is water-resistant and rugged, making it suitable for outdoor and emergency use.
Cons:
- The radio might be bulky for some. Check the dimensions to make sure it will fit in your backpack, if that’s your goal.
- The built-in 600mah NiMH rechargeable battery has a limited life, and the radio may require frequent recharging.
Verdict
Kaito has supplied radio equipment to the United States Army and Red Cross. That tradition of manufacturing affordable high quality radios continues. If you have the space in your Go Bag or Stay Bag, this is a must have.
Download the Kaito KA500 user manual.
2. Esky 3 LED Flashlight Emergency Radio
Price: $19.99
Dimensions: 5 x 1.8 x 2.4 inches
Features:
- AM/FM radio
- NOAA weather radio
- 3 LED flashlight
- Cell phone charger
- Hand crank and solar-powered
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- AUX input and headphone jack
What we liked:
A simple, well designed product. The Esky 3 LED Flashlight Emergency Radio is a compact and portable radio that can keep you informed and connected in various situations. It can be powered by a solar panel, hand crank, USB cable, or AA batteries. It can receive AM/FM/NOAA stations and alert you of weather emergencies. It also has a flashlight, an SOS alarm, and a USB phone charger for your convenience.
Pros:
- Has multiple power options that make it suitable for emergencies and outdoor activities.
- It has a bright 140 lumen flashlight with three modes.
- Available at a low price compared to other similar products.
Cons:
- The battery is 2000 mah and might not last long if the signal is weak.
- The model we reviewed had no headphone jack.
Verdict:
The biggest plus is the wide set of features at an affordable price. You won’t feel crushed if it falls and breaks while escaping the zombie horde. It’s a stellar option for a back up or in your non-primary Go Bag, but it could also hold its own as your primary hand crank radio.
Download the Esky 3 LED Flashlight Emergency Radio user manual.
3. DaringSnail MD090P Emergency Weather Hand-Crank Radio
Price: $45.90
Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.2 x 2.5 inches
Features:
- AM/FM/NOAA weather radio
- Hand-crank and solar-powered
- 6000mAh power bank
- LED flashlight and reading lamp
- SOS alarm and flashing red beacon
- USB and micro-USB ports
- Waterproof and rugged design
- Digital tuner for clear reception
- Antenna and telescopic FM antenna
- Built-in speaker with clear sound
What we liked:
The DaringSnail MD090P is a reliable portable radio that can keep you informed and connected even if you are miles from the closest transmitter. It can be powered by a solar panel, hand crank, USB cable, or replaceable li-ion battery. MD090P can receive AM/FM/NOAA stations with utter clarity and alert you in advance. The device also has an SOS alarm, and a USB phone charger. Lastly, it has a motion sensor that turns on if it detects movement. Impressive. (Note that there are older models without a motion sensor.)
Pros:
- MD090P has a large 6000 mAh battery that can charge your phone or other devices in an emergency.
- A motion sensor reading lamp that can turn on automatically when you get up at night.
- Clear and good sound quality even when the battery is low.
Cons:
- Reception quality drops inside buildings.
- Lack of headphone or aux in ports.
- Angular design that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Verdict
DaringSnail claims it has helped 10 million Americans through multiple hurricanes. They also offer an 18 month warranty on the radio circuitry. This waterproof radio is a great pick for anyone looking for a simple design and a crank radio that can double as a power bank.
Download the DaringSnail MD090P user manual.
4. Eton FRX3+ Rechargeable Weather Alert Radio
Price: ‎$79.99
Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.8 x 2.6 inches
Features:
- AM/FM/NOAA weather radio
- Hand-crank and solar-powered
- USB and micro-USB ports
- Glow-in-the-dark locator
- LED flashlight and red emergency beacon
- Digital tuner and display
- Alert function for emergency weather alerts
- AUX input and headphone jack
What we liked:
A radio with a glow-in-the-dark locator! That is a thoughtful design. The X-shaped design is unique, and this radio packs a punch. It’s officially recommended by The American Red Cross and it means business. The Aux in feature means you can also attach an MP3 player and listen to whatever you like through its speaker.
Pros:
- Its luminescent strip charges in sunlight and glows in the dark, making it easier to find.
- Convenient form factor. You can easily strap it to the outside of a backpack if it doesn’t fit inside.
- Built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions and emergency situations.
Cons:
- The digital tuner is always on and draws on the battery. The radio doesn’t fully power down.
- The rechargeable battery is only 800 mAh and barely lasts a few hours.
- No inbuilt receptacle for charging cable.
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a radio for more than just emergencies, this is the one for you. You’re paying a little extra for its style and digital capability, and getting a radio that has The American Red Cross’s seal of approval. Excellent build quality and sound may outweigh what it lacks in battery capacity.
Download the Eton FRX3+ user manual.
5. Sangean MMR-88
Price: $69.99
Dimensions: 5.98 x 2.71 x 3.3 inches
Features:
- AM/FM/WX band reception
- 19 random presets for AM/FM
- 7 NOAA weather channels
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Emergency buzzer
- Dual alarm clock with snooze function
- Backlit display with battery power indicator
- USB port for charging external devices
- Hand-cranked dynamo generator for charging battery
- Built-in speaker and headphone jack
- IPX3 water-resistant design
What we liked:
What is there not to like in Sangean MMR-8? It is extremely tough and has rubber padded corners. The device has a solid look that is reassuring. Everybody needs a brick! IPX3 water resistance means it can withstand splashes and rain easily. Solar and hand crank means you never run out of power. The radio reception was excellent even deep in the woods.
Pros:
- Public Alert Certified radio that adheres to highest quality standards.
- Excellent protection against rain and splashes.
- Bright SOS flashing light that is visible from far away.
Cons:
- Sangean MMR-88’s speaker might not be loud enough for everyone. It’s best used in a quiet place.
- The preset memory option can take time to figure out.
- The hand crank requires a lot of force to operate.
- Won’t charge your other devices.
Verdict:
Sangean has been making radios since 1974. The expertise shows in its careful design. The push buttons have a solid feel and the compact design is superb for anyone
Download the Sangean MMR-88 user manual.
Bonus: Midland ER210
Price: $49.99
Dimensions: 9 x 2.75 x 6.5 inches
Features:
- NOAA weather radio with alert function
- AM/FM radio
- LED flashlight with SOS and strobe modes
- Ultrasonic dog whistle to assist in search and rescue
- USB port for charging other devices
- Multiple power options, including rechargeable battery, solar panel, and hand crank
- Water-resistant design
- Headphone jack
- Large backlit display
What we liked:
Midland ER210 is a compact emergency crank radio that can keep you connected in any situation. It has a long battery life, a bright flashlight, a smartphone charger and a weather alert function. It is ideal for emergency preparedness, camping, beach, park and everyday use. With multiple power options and useful features like an LED flashlight and USB charging port, this radio is a must-have.
Pros:
- SOS flashlight beacon that flashes Morse code for emergency assistance
- Equipped with an ultrasonic dog whistle to attract rescue dogs.
- Small and compact design that fits snugly in your luggage.
Cons:
- Lack of presets and alarm clock.
- Too much static in radio reception.
- The digital display settings are not intuitive.
Verdict:
Lack of presets and alarm in a $50 radio is a definite shortcoming. Other than that it is quite a decent device. Midland has a long history of making sturdy radios and ER210 does not disappoint.
Download the Midland ER210 user manual.
Bonus: FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio
Price: $29.90
Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.1 x 2.9 inches
Features:
- NOAA weather radio with alert function
- AM/FM radio with IPX3 waterproofing
- LED flashlight with SOS and reading lamp modes
- USB port for charging other devices
- Multiple power options, including solar panel, hand crank, and AAA batteries
- Adjustable antenna for better reception
- 2000mAh power bank that can charge a phone
What we liked:
The FosPower Emergency Radio is affordable and does its job without a lot of fuss. It is durable and sports an ergonomic design. Very good radio reception even in distant locations and low power consumption make it ideal for camping and backpacking trips.
Pros:
- Has several power options – hand crank, solar and AAA.
- IPX3 waterproofing available at an affordable price point.
- Small and lightweight and can be carried easily.
Cons:
- The antenna is not flush with the body when folded.
- Lack of digital display and memory is a problem.
- Lack of color options. Only available in yellow.
Verdict
Cute and compact. On top of that it has top notch build quality. The dials and knobs look and feel solid. Offers basic waterproofing at a very low price point. Definitely a consideration if you want to be prepared.
Download the FosPower Emergency Radio user manual.